Need some help locating Leica Monopan 50 film!

[dave lackey]

Several months ago I pre-ordered the new Leica Monopan 50 film through BH Photo. Every few weeks I get a notice that it is not available. I am very patient but I admit that I have tired of waiting on BH Photo. A simple explanation would be nice and professional. But… BH Photo has not come forward with that. 🤷‍♂️

Now, apparently, there are people who have received the film, shot it and are delighted with it. I suspect they may have obtained their film in Europe. With the current chaos in international politics, I want to avoid all of that and just simply order some Monopan 50 film with reasonable expectations that I will receive it… but at a reasonable price, of course.

I am delighted to shoot Adox HR-50 and my results have been stellar, for my use... But I would like to at least order and try 10 rolls of Monopan 50 film for a number of projects I am considering.

Please do not respond with opinions and recommendations of other film. I do have and use various B&W films that I have already settled on after a relatively long trial period. Personally I have specific reasons for this request and I have a short window of opportunity for several projects and if possible, I would like to use Monopan 50. 😇

Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.🙂

 

[Photon42]

Dave - the local Leica Store tells me that it takes about six months. I ordered some a couple of weeks back. Classic Leica planning.

 

[santino]

Not what you expect from Germans, huh? Unfortunately things have changed a lot in Germany… ask people about DB (German railroad).. din‘t ask how I know 😗

 

[Photon42]

Have you been born already when they released the M9 or the initial Q? 😉 Probably they told Adox they need about a 100 rolls ...

 

[dave lackey]

LOL…

It completely makes no sense to me… Leica customer service and transparency is severely lacking. I doubt that will ever change.

😳

 

[FotohuisR]

Don't worry, also here in the Netherlands it is every where sold out. The regular price is Eur. 12. In fact it is a modified Agfa Gevaert film from Belgium. Adox is using it too with a pre-flash modification to bring it to iso 50 and with a bit less contrast. Of course a "must have" with that Leica packing. For the rest: Not a new film. You can also use the Rollei RPX25 film, without that pre-flash, in combination with a low contrast developer instead. It also comes from Agfa Gevaert from the same roll. Buying from bulk 30,5m/100ft it will be much cheaper and the same fun, except the packing. Or try a few ready made RPX25 films for Eur. 8,50 : RPX25 No idea about USA import duties and this whole mess at the moment. Or wait for a few months when it will be available again, probably with a higher price again.

 

[dave lackey]

Dave - the local Leica Store tells me that it takes about six months. I ordered some a couple of weeks back. Classic Leica planning.

It seems more like tossing a coin in a fountain with a wish. 🤷‍♂️

It is only film, right? Nothing like an electronic device (ie: modern camera bodies). It certainly is disappointing that the “luxury” of Leica products does not include the customer, we are expected to wait like a dog for a bone to be tossed its way … whenever.

That’s ok, like the lyrics of a Jimi Hendrix song, I still have my guitar. And mine doesn’t even use obsolete/unobtainable/ridiculously expensive batteries! Nor do my Nikon SLRs. Nor my M2.

My Martin guitar cost less than two Leica batteries. 🙂 It’s a telling fact, isn’t it?…. I guess we only have ourselves to blame.🤷‍♂️

 

[robert blu]

Hi Dave, being curious I ll try to contact the Leica Store downtown Milan next week (closed on monday) but I do not expect a real answer. I'll let you know.